Two Poems about Palace Gossip, one of the “Ōe Fragments” (Ōe-gire)

Traditionally attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori Japanese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 223

This work has traditionally been attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori, who was instrumental in establishing an orthodox form of Japanese courtly calligraphy. More likely, an unknown courtier or court lady of the later Heian period expertly transcribed the two poems seen here. The calligraphy is graceful yet firm, with smooth kana strokes devoid of flamboyant ligatures.
Both poems are from the Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern (Kokin wakashū)
and address themes of palace gossip and romance. One reads:

さとひとの　ことはなつのゝ　しけくとも
かれゆく　きみに　あはざらめやは

Though the rumors people spread
are as rank as the summer fields,
how could I cope
if your love for me withered
and we could not meet?

—Trans. John T. Carpenter

Two Poems about Palace Gossip, one of the “Ōe Fragments” (Ōe-gire), Traditionally attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori (Japanese, 995–1045), Page from a bound booklet mounted as a hanging scroll; ink on mica paper with gold flecks, Japan

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Two Poems about Palace Gossip, one of the “Ōe Fragments” (Ōe-gire), Traditionally attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori (Japanese, 995–1045), Page from a bound booklet mounted as a hanging scroll; ink on mica paper with gold flecks, Japan
Two Poems about Palace Gossip, one of the “Ōe Fragments” (Ōe-gire), Traditionally attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori (Japanese, 995–1045), Page from a bound booklet mounted as a hanging scroll; ink on mica paper with gold flecks, Japan

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